Lee Ji Ah is the latest in a series of k-drama actors to go to Hollywood only she will do so as a writer. The actress is currently writing a screenplay for a film, says her agency, HB Entertainment.
And once she completes the project, she has a contract to write more. Lee Ji Ah signed a three-film contract with Maybach Productions, which is based in Seoul and Beverly Hills, California. Maybach Film Productions produces and releases independent films such as "Night Moves," "Mother of George," "Starlet" and "Martha, Marcy, May Marlene."
Lee Ji Ah's first screenplay has the working title of "Conscious Perception." It has been described as a mystery but might be more accurately be pegged as science fiction. The film's story concerns technology that lets people read each other's minds and control each other's feelings. Those who use this technology have the ability to create worldwide chaos. The film has a budget of almost $10 million.
A representative for HB Entertainment told Star news that "No specific dates have been set for release but she has now started working on the screenplay."
The film starts production in 2015. It has not yet been cast.
Screenwriter is a new career for Lee Ji Ah, who originally studied graphic design. She debuted as a model when she was 26, appearing in a commercial with Hallyu star Bae Yong Joon. But she did not make her debut as an actress until three years later when she appeared in the drama "The Legend," which was considered Bae Yong Joon's comeback role. She is also known for her roles in "Beethoven Virus," in which she co-starred with Kim Myung Min and Jang Geun Suk." She then went on to appear in "Athena: Goddess of War" with Jung Woo Sung, whom she also dated.
While she was dating Jung Woo Sung, the public was shocked to learn that she had been secretly married to and divorced k-pop icon Seo Taiji. She and Jung Woo Sung broke up shortly after that.
Lee Ji Ah's last role was in the 2013 drama "Thrice Married Woman," which also starred Uhm Ji Won.
In her new role as a screenwriter the actress will be taking a step away from the public spotlight. When she appeared at a press conference for "Thrice Married Women," she said, "I know that people are more interested in my past private life than my acting career. I always feel the dilemma. But when people ask me if I am ready to talk about what they are curious about, I am still lost. It is not easy to change at once how you are being seen, but I have always longed to communicate with the public. So I am going to take a step by step approach."
